Live bait is known to be more effective in attracting fish than artificial bait because fish are more drawn to real live bait. Using live bait attracts a variety of fish species, too, which boosts your chances of landing a catch. Here are some live bait options for freshwater fishing that you can keep in mind for your next fishing trip.
If they are native to the fishing area you’re eyeing, clams and mussels are great choices for live bait. It’s ideal to collect them from shallow waters right before your fishing trip to keep them fresh.
Just before using them, crack the shell open and cut out the clam or mussel. Give the bait some time to harden in the sun before using, as it helps the bait to stay on the hook. When using mussels, thread mussels onto the hook, taking care not to pull them too tightly.
Depending on the sort of fish you're aiming for, crayfish can be used either alive or dead. For smallmouth bass or panfish, crayfish are best used alive and whole, hooked through the tail. For catfish, however, dead crayfish threaded on a hook would serve you better.
You can buy crayfish from your local bait shops or catch them in the water with a window screen or fine mesh. Drive the crayfish into the net by stirring the water and keep them in a bait bucket, a moist cloth, or some damp moss afterwards.
Cut bait simply refers to fish cut into pieces to be used as bait. While not exactly “live” bait, cut bait is particularly effective for fish that rely primarily on scent rather than sight, like catfish or carp.
Any caught fish can be used as cut bait. Scale the fish but keep the skin on for optimal results.
Insects such as ants, beetles, caterpillars, crickets, and grasshoppers are ideal for certain freshwater fish like the smallmouth bass and trout, as they are natural predators of insects.
Springtime is a good time to use insects as freshwater bait; fish are on the lookout for insects since they are abundant during this time of year.
Insects can be purchased from a bait store, or you can try to catch them on your own.
You can also find leeches at your local bait shop. They’re great bait for fish like walleye and northern pike.
The attraction to leeches lies in their swimming motion. When using leeches as bait, allow them to get used to the temperature for at least an hour so they can relax and swim naturally.
Leeches have a lengthy lifespan and they can stay fresh in the fridge for several days, so you can keep them in mind if you’re looking for long-lasting bait.